NRC Releases new requirements for US Reactors

It's taken a year, but the NRC has released new requirements that apply to all nuclear plants in the United States. These requirements are based on the 'lessons learned' from the Fukushima plant in Japan.

From the NRC release:

Two of the Orders apply to every U.S. commercial nuclear power plant, including those under construction and the recently licensed new Vogtle reactors. The first Order requires the plants to better protect safety equipment installed after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and to obtain sufficient equipment to support all reactors at a given site simultaneously. The second Order requires the plants to install enhanced equipment for monitoring water levels in each plant’s spent fuel pool.

The third Order applies only to U.S. boiling-water reactors that have “Mark I” or “Mark II” containment structures. These reactors must improve venting systems (or for the Mark II plants, install new systems) that help prevent or mitigate core damage in the event of a serious accident. Plants have until Dec. 31, 2016, to complete modifications and requirements of all three Orders.

Each plant will also undergo on-site review for safety, compliance and ability to meet the relevant requirements.

All told, a good call by the NRC.